New Democrat Leader Jack Layton can expect to face attacks from two fronts on Friday, as his rising national support has both Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and Prime Minister Stephen Harper turning a critical eye on the NDP's policies and platform.
With just a few days left before Canadians go to the polls on Monday, all the party leaders are strategically trying to shore up support in key ridings.
Layton, riding the tide of his newfound support, will be on the attack Friday, campaigning in two Conservative-held B.C. ridings.
The latest polling from Nanos Research on Friday morning showed the NDP just five points behind the Conservatives nationally.
Layton is trying to capitalize on that orange wave, campaigning Friday in Kamloops, in the B.C. interior, and then in Courtenay on Vancouver Island.
While the Conservatives once had an intimidating lead in B.C. with the support of 50 per cent of those polled, that has dropped in recent days to 43 per cent. The NDP, by contrast, has seen a rise in the polls on the West Coast and now has the support of 35.2 per cent of B.C. voters.
Layton, who hasn't been considered a serious contender in the past, and as a result largely got a free ride from his opponents, has faced closer scrutiny in recent days.
Ignatieff has attacked "Smilin' Jack," saying Canadians shouldn't mistake Layton's likability for an ability to lead the country.
The Liberals have issued almost daily "Reality Check" news releases questioning the cost of the NDP proposals and asking where the money would come from.
Ignatieff has also criticized the NDP's plan to generate billion from a cap-and-trade system that hasn't been set up yet.
Harper on Thursday attacked Layton's policies on cross-border trade, suggesting the NDP would turn the clock back on Canada-U.S. relations.
Harper also said the NDP's cap-and-trade plan would drive up the cost of gasoline by 10 cents a litre.
Layton has faced repeated questions from the media in recent days about the cost of his policies and about reports that some candidates in Quebec don't live in the province, are currently on vacation, and in one case don't speak French.
Layton appeared frustrated on Thursday in Yellowknife with the repeated line of questioning.
"So that you can ask your questions, I'll let you interrupt me as often as you want, but I'll try to answer as best as I can. Can I finish a sentence?" he demanded of a reporter.
Harper will continue to challenge Layton on Friday and call for a stable, majority Conservative government while at the same time warning of the dangers of an NDP-led coalition as the alternative.
Harper is beginning his day in Brampton on Friday, where he is trying to steal precious seats from the Liberals in the vital 905 region surrounding Toronto.
Ignatieff will begin his day in Val d'Or, Que. before following Harper to Ontario for events in London and Kitchener.
Ignatieff will have his hands full, attempting to shore up core Liberal support while fighting off Layton's surge and keeping the pressure on Harper.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will be campaigning in B.C. where she hopes to finally win a seat in a battle against Conservative junior cabinet minister Gary Lunn.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe, who is now trailing the NDP in Quebec -- a stunning development -- will be in his home province Friday, likely questioning whether Layton truly cares for Quebecers.
